Sunroof apparatus for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel, a guide rail, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, the movable panel being configured to be shifted to a tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a front direction in a fully closed state of the movable panel and to be opened while being maintained in the tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a rear direction after moving further in the front direction, and a holding mechanism configured to stop the second sliding member in a state where the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released and to cause the second sliding member to be movable in the engagement state in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent. Application 2013-185557, filed on Sep. 6, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a sunroof apparatus for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION

A known sunroof apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed, for example, in JP2000-108676A, which will be hereinafter referred to as Reference 1. The sunroof apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 is a so-called outer sliding sunroof including a link mechanism for supporting a movable panel. Specifically, the link mechanism includes a rear lift link performing a swinging motion by a sliding operation of a first shoe, a front lift link performing a swinging motion by a sliding operation of a second shoe, and a connecting rod connecting the rear lift link and the second shoe so that the second shoe is slidably operated (i.e., performs the sliding operation) by the swinging motion of the rear lift link. In a case where the first shoe is slidably operated (i.e., performs the sliding operation), the rear link performs the swinging motion to lift up a rear end of the movable panel. During the aforementioned process, the swinging motion of the rear lift link is transmitted to the second shoe via the connecting rod. The resulting sliding operation of the second shoe causes the front lift link to perform the swinging motion to thereby lift up a front end of the movable panel. As a result, the movable panel is tilted up (i.e., performs a tilt-up operation).

Thereafter, the first shoe and the second shoe are slidably operated so that the movable panel slides outward (above a roof portion of a vehicle) while the movable panel is maintained to be tilted up (i.e., maintained in a tilt-up state). An opening formed at the roof portion is brought to an open state accordingly. At this time, the rear lift link performs the swinging motion by a function of an engagement structure provided between the rear lift link and the first shoe. Thus, because of specification of the engagement structure, the movable panel may be slowly tilted-up.

According to the sunroof apparatus disclosed in Reference 1, a moving amount (i.e., an operation stroke) of the first shoe or the like by which the movable panel is brought to a fully open state from a fully closed state is specifically the moving amount by which the movable panel is brought to the fully open state via the tilt-up state from the fully closed state. Thus, in a case where the moving amount of the first shoe or the like by which the movable panel is brought to the tilt-up state from the fully closed state (hereinafter also referred to as a tilt operation stroke) increases, the moving amount of the first shoe or the like by which the movable panel is brought to the fully open state, i.e., an amount of opening of the movable panel, may be difficult to be secured.

On the other hand, because the tilt operation stroke corresponds to an area of a high load state where the movable panel moves upward and downward, it is desirable for the tilt operation stroke to be elongated. When it is assumed that the tilt operation stroke is shortened, a load per unit operation stroke increases, which may result in an enlargement of an electric drive source (for example, a motor) for driving the first shoe or the like.

According to a sunroof apparatus for a vehicle serving as an outer sliding sunroof disclosed in JP4109583B which will be hereinafter referred to as Reference 2, it is proposed that a guide rail on which a shoe slidably moves projects forward in a state to penetrate through a front frame (housing). Accordingly, a supporting span of the movable panel may be widened while the opening amount of the movable panel increases or without deterioration of the opening amount of the movable panel.

Nevertheless, an effect obtained by the increase of the opening amount of the movable panel by the penetration of the guide rail through the front frame, for example, is insignificant. The opening amount of the movable panel is still difficult to be secured.

A need thus exists for a sunroof apparatus for a vehicle which is not susceptible to the drawback mentioned above.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of this disclosure, a sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel configured to open and close an opening formed at a roof of a vehicle, a guide rail provided at each edge portion of the opening in a vehicle width direction and being extended in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first sliding member driven by a drive source to move along the guide rail and connected to each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction, a second sliding member integrally movable with the movable panel in a state where a tilt operation of the movable panel is allowed, the movable panel being configured to be shifted to a tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a front direction of the vehicle in a fully closed state of the movable panel and to be opened while being maintained in the tilt-up state by an integral movement of the first sliding member with the second sliding member caused by an engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in a rear direction of the vehicle after moving further in the front direction, the movable panel being configured to be closed in a case where the first sliding member integrally moves with the second sliding member in the front direction in an open state of the movable panel and to be shifted to the fully closed state in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction while the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released, and a holding mechanism configured to stop a movement of the second sliding member in a state where the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released and to cause the second sliding member to be movable in the engagement state between the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with the reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sunroof apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment disclosed here;

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating a fully closed state of a movable panel;

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating a second tilt-up state of the movable panel;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a guide block and a peripheral structure of the guide block;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating an operation of an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism by deploying the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism in a circumferential direction;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the guide block and a slide check;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section view illustrating the guide block and the slide check;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a roof at which the sunroof apparatus according to the embodiment is mounted and which is viewed in an obliquely upward direction; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the sunroof apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. In the following, a front-rear direction corresponds to a vehicle front-rear direction, and an upper side and a lower side correspond to an upper side and a lower side in a vehicle height direction respectively. Further, a vehicle inner side and a vehicle outer side correspond to an inner side in a vehicle width direction towards a vehicle cabin and an outer side in the vehicle width direction away from the vehicle cabin respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a substantially square or rectangular opening 10 a is formed at a roof 10 of a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, and a sunroof apparatus 11 is mounted at the roof 10. The sunroof apparatus 11 includes a movable panel 12 substantially in a square or rectangular form made of glass plate, for example. The movable panel 12 moves in the front-rear direction for opening and closing the opening 10 a.

The movable panel 12 is mounted at the roof 10 so as to selectively perform a tilt-up operation in which a rear portion of the movable panel 12 is lifted up or raised with reference to a front portion thereof and a slide operation in which the movable panel 12 slides in the front-rear direction. The sunroof apparatus 11 in the embodiment is a so-called outer sliding sunroof so that the movable panel 12 slides (performs the slide operation) while being maintained to be tilted-up (i.e., in a tilt-up state) during an opening and closing operation of the movable panel 12 for opening and closing the opening 10 a.

A configuration of the sunroof apparatus 11 related to the opening and closing operation of the movable panel 12 will be explained below. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a pair of guide rails 13 is provided at opposed edge portions of the opening 10 a in the vehicle width direction. Each of the guide rails 13, which is made of aluminum alloy extruded material, for example, extends in the front-rear direction while including a constant cross section in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 13. Functional components 20 are supported and guided relative to the respective guide rails 13 to be movable in the front-rear direction. The movable panel 12 is bridged between the functional components 20 at the respective guide rails 13 so as to be connected and supported at the functional components 20. The functional components 20 moves in the front-rear direction along the guide rails 13 to thereby bring the movable panel 12 to tilt-up or slide.

Respective front edges of the guide rails 13 are connected to each other by a front housing 14 that extends in the vehicle width direction. An electric drive source 15 such as an electric motor serving as a drive source and including an output gear, for example, is provided at a substantially intermediate portion of the front housing 14 in a longitudinal direction thereof. The electric drive source 15 is connected to the functional components 20 via a pair of drive belts 16 made of resin material, for example, and substantially formed in a strap form so as to simultaneously move the functional components 20 provided at the respective guide rails 13 in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each of the guide rails 13 includes a first rail portion 13 a including a substantially C-shape cross section opening upward and a second rail portion 13 b disposed adjacent to the first rail portion 13 a at the vehicle outer side thereof. The second rail portion 13 b, which includes a substantially T-shape cross section in cooperation with a side wall of the first rail portion 13 a, is connected to the first rail portion 13 a via an opening formed at the side wall of the first rail portion 13 a. In each of the guide rails 13, a guide portion 17 in a flange form is formed at an upper side of a portion of the first rail portion 13 a at the vehicle outer side (i.e., a vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, a cut-out portion 17 a is formed at a predetermined position of the guide portion 17 closer to the front side of the vehicle. Then, a guide block 19 is fixed to the guide rail 13 in a state to be placed at the vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a and fitted to the guide portion 17 via the cut-out portion 17 a. The guide block 19 is formed in a hook form by including an engagement groove 19 a continuously formed from an upper side to a lower side of the guide portion 17 at the rear side of the vehicle. The engagement groove 19 a is inclined downward towards the rear side of the vehicle and is connected, via a lower end of the engagement groove 19 a, to a lower side of the guide portion 17.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a drive shoe 21 is mounted to each of the guide rails 13 (specifically, to the first rail portion 13 a) so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The drive shoe 21 serving as a first sliding member is formed, for example, by metallic plate and resin which are integrated. The drive shoe 21 includes a pair of shoe portions 22 a and 22 b disposed apart from each other in the front-rear direction to slide on a portion of the first rail portion 13 a at the vehicle inner side (i.e., a vehicle inner side portion of the first rail portion 13 a), and a shoe portion 22 c sliding on the vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a (i.e., at an upper left side in FIG. 1). The shoe portion 22 c is provided at the rear side of the shoe portion 22 b. The drive shoe 21 also includes a vertical wall portion 23, a projection wall portion 24, a connection wall portion 25, and a connection wall portion 26. The vertical wall portion 23 is formed to stand upward at a substantially intermediate portion and closer to the vehicle inner side of the first rail portion 13 a so as to connect the shoe portions 22 a and 22 b each other by extending in the front-rear direction. The projection wall portion 24 is formed to protrude by a substantially constant distance from a lower end portion of the vertical wall portion 23 to the vehicle outer side. The projection wall portion 24 extends in the front-rear direction over an entire length of the vertical wall portion 23 in a longitudinal direction thereof. The connection wall portion 25 connects a rear end portion of the projection wall portion 24 and a front end portion of the shoe portion 22 c in the vehicle width direction. The connection wall portion 26 is disposed adjacent to the projection wall portion 24 in the rear of the vehicle to connect a rear end portion of the vertical wall portion 23 and a rear end portion of the shoe portion 22 c in the vehicle width direction.

The drive shoe 21 includes plural projecting pieces 27 (for example, three projecting pieces 27 in the embodiment) penetrating through the shoe portion 22 c to enter the inside of the second rail portion 13 b provided at the vehicle outer side relative to the first rail portion 13 a. The projecting pieces 27 are connected to the corresponding drive belt 16 sliding on the second rail portion 13 b in the front-rear direction. That is, the electric drive source 15 is connected to each of the functional components 20 via the drive shoe 21. Because each of the drive belts 16 is driven by the electric drive source 15 to move along the guide rail 13 (specifically, the second rail portion 13 b) in the front-rear direction, the drive shoe 21 moves in the front-rear direction in a state where the shoe portions 22 a and 22 b slide on the vehicle inner side portion of the first rail portion 13 a and the shoe portion 22 c slides on the vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the drive shoe 21 includes an engagement recess portion 28 provided at a substantially intermediate portion of the projection wall portion 24 in the longitudinal direction thereof and at the front side of the vehicle relative to the connection wall portion 25. The engagement recess portion 28 is recessed to the vehicle inner side from an end surface of the projection wall portion 24 at the vehicle outer side. A rear end surface of the engagement recess portion 28 forms a restriction portion 28 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a guide groove 30 that extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the vertical wall portion 23 to be recessed to the vehicle inner side from an end surface of the vertical wall portion 23 at the vehicle outer side. The guide groove 30 includes a first inclination portion 30 a, a linear portion 30 b, and a second inclination portion 30 c those of which are integrally formed. The first inclination portion 30 a is inclined upward towards the rear side of the vehicle. The linear portion 30 b is connected to a rear end of the first inclination portion 30 a to extend substantially in parallel to the guide rail 13. The second inclination portion 30 c is connected to a rear end of the linear portion 30 b to incline upward towards the rear side of the vehicle.

A pair of support brackets 31 is fixed to a lower surface of the movable panel 12 in a state to be disposed at opposed edge portions of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction. Each of the support brackets 31, which is made of metallic plate, for example, extends over a substantially entire length of the movable panel 12. The support bracket 31 includes a vertical wall portion 32 in a plate form vertically provided at the lower surface of the movable panel 12. The vertical wall portion 32 is disposed adjacent to the vertical wall portion 23 of the drive shoe 21 at the vehicle outer side thereof so as to be positioned at the upper side of the projection wall portion 24 of the drive shoe 21.

An attachment piece 32 a is formed at a front end of the vertical wall portion 32 to bend towards the vehicle inner side. A driven shoe 33 made of resin material and formed in a substantially column is connected to an end of the attachment piece 32 a to be rotatable about an axis line extending in the vehicle width direction. The driven shoe 33 is provided to be movable on the first rail portion 13 a of the guide rail 13 in the front-rear direction at the front side of the drive shoe 21 (specifically, the shoe portions 22 a and 22 b). The movable panel 12 supported by the support brackets 31 is tilted-up (i.e., performs the tilt-up operation) so that a rear portion of the support bracket 31 (i.e., of the movable panel 12) is raised with reference to a front portion at which the vertical wall portion 32 is connected to the driven shoe 33 (the attachment piece 32 a) and is tilted-down (i.e., performs a tilt-down operation) so that the rear portion of the support bracket 31 (the movable panel 12) is lowered with reference to the front portion. The drive shoe 21 and the driven shoe 33 constitute the functional component 20. The tilt-up operation and the tilt-down operation will be hereinafter collectively referred to as the tilt operation.

A guide pin 34 projecting to the vehicle inner side is integrally formed at a front portion of the support bracket 31 (specifically, the vertical wall portion 32). The guide pin 34 is movably fitted to the guide groove 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the guide pin 34 is configured to be disposed at a lower end of the guide groove 30 (specifically, the first inclination portion 30 a) in a fully closed state of the movable panel 12. Thus, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves to the front side along the guide rail 13 in the aforementioned configuration, the guide pin 34 that is guided by the guide groove 30 moves upward at the first inclination portion 30 a to reach the linear portion 30 b. At this time, because of the rising of the support bracket 31 (the guide pin 34) with reference to the drive shoe 21, the movable panel 12 rotates relative to the front portion of the support bracket 31, which results in the tilt-up operation of the movable panel 12 in which the rear portion of the support bracket 31 (the movable panel 12) is raised with reference to the front portion thereof. The movable panel 12 is brought in a first tilt-up state accordingly.

In a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further to the front side along the guide rail 13 (i.e., the first rail portion 13 a), as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the guide pin 34 that is guided by the guide groove 30 moves upward at the second inclination portion 30 c to reach an end (a rear end) thereof. At this time, because of the rising of the support bracket 31 (the guide pin 34) with reference to the drive shoe 21, the movable panel 12 further rotates relative to the front portion of the support bracket 31, which results in the tilt-up operation of the movable panel 12 in which the rear portion of the support bracket 31 (i.e., the movable panel 12) is further raised with reference to the front portion thereof. The movable panel 12 is brought in a second tilt-up state accordingly.

On the other hand, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves to the vehicle rear side in the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 (i.e., in the first tilt-up state or the second tilt-up state), the drive shoe 21 is operated substantially in reverse order from the aforementioned order. A locking pin 35 is integrally formed at a front end portion of the support bracket 31 (the vertical wall portion 32) at the front side of the guide pin 34. The locking pin 35 formed in a substantially elongated column projects to the vehicle outer side.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a slide check 41 is attached to the guide rail 13 (the first rail portion 13 a) to be positioned adjacent to the vertical wall portion 32 at the vehicle outer side thereof. The slide check 41, which is made of resin material, for example, is movable in the front-rear direction. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the slide check 41 includes a shoe portion 42 and a vertical wall portion 43. The shoe portion 42 slides on the vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a at the front side of the shoe portion 22 c. The vertical wall portion 43 is formed to stand upwardly between the vertical wall portion 32 of the support bracket 31 and the guide portion 17 in the vehicle width direction. The slide check 41 is movable along the guide rail 13 in the front-rear direction by the shoe portion 42 sliding on the vehicle outer side portion of the first rail portion 13 a in a state where the position of the slide check 41 in the vehicle width direction is determined by the vertical wall portion 32 and the guide portion 17 those of which make contact with or come closer to the vertical wall portion 43.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a bore 43 a formed by an elongated bore is formed at a front end portion of the vertical wall portion 43 so that the locking pin 35 is movably fitted to the bore 43 a. The bore 43 a is formed to linearly upwardly incline towards the rear side of the vehicle. The slide check 41 is connected to the support bracket 31 via the locking pin 35 that is fitted to the bore 43 a. The slide check 41 secures the aforementioned operation state of the drive shoe 21 on the guide rail 13 by the locking pin 35 that moves freely within the bore 43 a in a case where the movable panel 12 supported by the support bracket 31 is tilted-up or tilted-down. That is, the slide check 41 allows the movable panel 12 to be brought to the tilt-up state or the fully closed state in association with the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front-rear direction by the locking pin 35 that moves freely within the bore 43 a. In addition, in a case where the tilt operation of the movable panel 12 is prohibited, the slide check 41 restricts the movement of the locking pin 35 (the support bracket 31) in the front-rear direction at the bore 43 a. Accordingly, the slide check 41 integrally moves with the movable panel 12 that is supported by the support bracket 31 in the front-rear direction (corresponding to the slide operation) by moving in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the slide check 41 includes a build-up portion 44 formed in a substantially quarter column connecting the shoe portion 42 and the vertical wall portion 43 at a lower side of the guide portion 17. The build-up portion 44 includes a support recess portion 44 a in a substantially circular form recessed from a rear end surface of the build-up portion 44 towards the vehicle front side. A support shaft 45 formed in a substantially column of which a center line extends in the front-rear direction is inserted to be positioned within the support recess portion 44 a in a non-rotatable manner. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a rotation check 46 substantially in a disc form is supported at a front end portion of the support shaft 45 that projects from the slide check 41 so as to be disposed adjacent to the slide check 41. Accordingly, an axis line of the rotation check 46 coincides with the center line of the support shaft 45.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the rotation check 46 includes an engagement projection 46 a in a substantially sawtooth form at a predetermined angular position (i.e., an angular position to the right in FIG. 3B) with reference to the support shaft 45 to project radially outwardly. In addition, the rotation check 46 includes a pressed portion 46 b in a triangular tooth form at a predetermined angular position (i.e., an angular position to the left in FIG. 3B) with reference to the support shaft 45 to project radially outwardly. As illustrated by a chain double-dashed line in FIG. 3B, the engagement projection 46 a engages with the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19 and the pressed portion 46 b makes contact with or comes closer to a bottom surface of the first rail portion 13 a and an outer side surface of the projection wall portion 24 in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, for example. Thus, in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, the rotation check 46 is restricted to rotate by the bottom surface of the first rail portion 13 a, for example, in a state where the engagement projection 46 a engages with the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19. The rotation check 46 is inhibited from moving in the front-rear direction and the slide check 41 is also inhibited from moving in the front-rear direction together with the rotation check 46. In addition, the support bracket 31 connected to the slide check 41 via the bore 43 a, for example, is inhibited from moving in the front-rear direction so that the movable panel 12 is only allowed to move from the fully closed state to the tilt-up state. The guide block 19, the slide check 41, the rotation check 46, and the like constitute a check mechanism 40.

As mentioned above, the engagement recess portion 28 is formed at the projection wall portion 24 of the drive shoe 21. Thus, in a case where the engagement recess portion 28 reaches a position at which the pressed portion 46 b is provided in association with the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front direction of the vehicle, the rotation check 46 is allowed to rotate within the engagement recess portion 28. In the aforementioned state, when the rotation check 46 moves together with the drive shoe 21 in the rear direction of the vehicle, the rotation check 46 rotates in a clockwise direction as illustrated by a solid line in FIG. 3B because the engagement projection 46 a is guided by the engagement groove 19 a. Then, the engagement projection 46 a enters below the guide portion 17 to be sandwiched between the guide portion 17 and the first rail portion 13 a. The rotation of the rotation check 46 is restricted accordingly. At the same time, the pressed portion 46 b engages with the engagement recess portion 28. At this time, the pressed portion 46 b is disposed on a movement locus of the restriction portion 28 a of the drive shoe 21 in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, an enlarged diameter portion 45 a substantially in a disc form is formed at a rear end of the support shaft 45. A rotation cam 48 is supported at a rear end portion of the support shaft 45 to be disposed adjacent to the enlarged diameter portion 45 a at the front side thereof. The rotation cam 48, which is made of resin material, for example, serves as a second member. The rotation cam 48 includes a body portion 48 a in a substantially cylindrical form that includes an inner diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the support shaft 45 and an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 45 a. The rotation cam 48 is supported at the support shaft 45 via the body portion 48 a. Accordingly, an axis line of the rotation cam 48 coincides with the center line of the support shaft 45. That is, the rotation cam 48 is disposed to be coaxial with the rotation check 46.

A coil spring 47 is wound on the support shaft 45 between the rotation check 46 and the rotation cam 48. The coil spring 47 is compressed in the front-rear direction corresponding to an axial direction of the coil spring 47. The coil spring 47 biases the rotation check 46 in a direction where the rotation check 46 makes contact with the slide check 41 and biases the rotation cam 48 in a direction where the rotation cam 48 makes contact with the enlarged diameter portion 45 a. The rotation cam 48 is inhibited from disengaging rearward of the vehicle by the enlarged diameter portion 45 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the rotation cam 48 includes a pair of second cam teeth 48 b formed to project at an outer peripheral surface of the body portion 48 a. Each of the second cam teeth 48 b is formed in a substantially isosceles trapezoid where each long side and each short side extend in the front-rear direction. The pair of second cam teeth 48 b faces each other in a radial direction of the rotation cam 48 relative to the axis line thereof. Each of the second cam teeth 48 b extends within a range of a smaller angle (i.e., 45° in the present embodiment) than a predetermined angle (i.e., 90° in the present embodiment) in a circumferential direction of the rotation cam 48 relative to the axis line thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a fixation cam 51 made of resin material, for example, and serving as a first member is placed at the drive shoe 21 in a state to bridge between the connection wall portions 25 and 26. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the fixation cam 51 is disposed away from the rotation cam 48 in a state where the drive shoe 21 is disposed at a position that is achieved when the movable panel 12 is shifted at least from the fully closed state to the first tilt-up state. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, positions of the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 in the front-rear direction overlap each other in a state where the drive shoe 21 is disposed at a position that is achieved when the movable panel 12 is shifted to the second tilt-up state. The fixation cam 51 includes a first fixation member 52 in a substantially cylindrical form with a bottom and a second fixation member 53 in a substantially cylindrical form. The first fixation member 52 is disposed at a side away from the slide check 41 while the second fixation member 53 is disposed at a side closer to the slide check 41.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, plural first cam teeth 52 a formed by substantially triangular teeth are formed at a front end portion (i.e., an opening end portion) of the first fixation member 52 so as to be disposed at each aforementioned predetermined angle (i.e., 90°) around an axis line of the first fixation member 52 in a state to protrude and to be recessed (in a projection and recess manner) in an axial direction thereof. A pair of open portions 53 a is formed at an inner peripheral portion of the second fixation member 53 so that each of the open portions 31 a is continuously formed along an axial direction thereof. The open portions 53 a face each other in a radial direction of the second fixation member 53. A rear end portion of each of the open portions 53 a at an upper side in FIG. 5 is gradually inclined to expand towards the rear end to thereby form a guide portion 53 b. Each of the open portions 53 a that is continuously formed over an entire axial length of the second fixation member 53 extends within the range of the equal angle (i.e., 45°) to each of the first cam teeth 52 a in the circumferential direction relative to the axis line of the fixation cam 51. Each of the open portions 53 a including the guide portion 53 b extends within the range of the aforementioned predetermined angle (i.e., 90°) in the circumferential direction.

A pair of locking portions 53 c is formed at a rear end portion (i.e., an opening end portion) of the second fixation member 53 between the open portions 53 a in the circumferential direction. Each of the locking portions 53 c is inclined to the front side from the open portion 53 a towards the guide portion 53 b. In addition, each of the locking portions 53 c extends within the range of the aforementioned predetermined angle (90°) in the circumferential direction relative to the axis line of the fixation cam 51. Both apexes of the first cam teeth 52 a at which the first cam teeth 52 a change the direction of extension in the front-rear direction face circumferentially intermediate portions of the locking portions 53 c in the front-rear direction. That is, a phase difference of a predetermined angle smaller than the aforementioned predetermined angle (90°) is specified between both apexes of the locking portions 53 c at which the locking portions 53 c change the direction of extension in the front-rear direction and the both apexes of the first cam teeth 52 a at which the first cam teeth 52 a change the direction of extension in the front-rear direction.

In the aforementioned configuration, in a state where the rotation cam 48 (the slide check 41) is disposed away from the fixation cam 51 in the front-rear direction (for example, until the movable panel 12 is shifted to the first tilt-up state from the fully closed state), angular positions of the second cam teeth 48 b are retained by a biasing force of the coil spring 47, for example, so as to coincide with angular positions of the open portions 53 a. Therefore, in a case where the fixation cam 51 moves in the front direction of the vehicle together with the drive shoe 21 so as to shift the movable panel 12 to the tilt-up state, the second cam teeth 48 b pass through the open portions 53 a to be pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a because a moving path (a path) of the second cam teeth 48 b to the first cam teeth 52 a is opened by the open portions 53 a as illustrated in FIG. 5. At this time, the second cam teeth 48 b are guided by the first cam teeth 52 a to rotate by the aforementioned phase difference between the locking portions 53 c and the first cam teeth 52 a. Accordingly, in a case where the fixation cam 51 thereafter moves in the rear direction of the vehicle together with the drive shoe 21, the moving path of the second cam teeth 48 b to the first cam teeth 52 a (a path for retracting from the first cam teeth 52 a) is closed by the locking portions 53 c.

Accordingly, in a case where the fixation cam 51 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle together with the drive shoe 21 so that the movable panel 12 slides rearward of the vehicle (i.e., an opening operation is performed), the second cam teeth 48 b are guided to rotate by the locking portions 53 c to engage therewith as illustrated in FIG. 5. As a result, the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51 engage with each other by a pressing effect between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 so that the slide check 41 integrally moves to the vehicle rear side. In addition, the support bracket 31 that is connected to the slide check 41 via the locking pin 35 also integrally moves in the rear direction of the vehicle. The rotation cam 48, the fixation cam 51, and the like constitute an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50.

The guide block 19 and the slide check 41 will be explained in detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a retention portion 61 in a substantially block form is formed at a front end portion of the guide block 19 to be positioned between the first rail portion 13 a and the guide portion 17 in the vehicle height direction. The retention portion 61 protrudes to the vehicle inner side. A rear end surface of the retention portion 61 forms a contact surface 61 a serving as a second contact surface expanding in a substantially planar form.

A front end surface of the build-up portion 44 of the slide check 41 expanding in a substantially planar form forms a contact surface 44 b serving as a first contact surface that faces the contact surface 61 a in the front-rear direction. The slide check 41 also includes a holding piece 62 protruding forward from a lower portion of the contact surface 44 b. The holding piece 62 includes an extension portion 62 a extending in a substantially rectangular plate form in the front direction of the vehicle in a state to be supported in a cantilevered manner at a lower portion of the contact surface 44 b, and a hook portion 62 b in a substantially triangular form formed at a front end of the extension portion 62 a. The retention portion 61 and the holding piece 62 constitute a holding mechanism.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, for example, the extension portion 62 a extends forward along a lower surface of the retention portion 61 and the hook portion 62 b is hooked at and engaged with a front end surface of the retention portion 61. Accordingly, the slide check 41 is slightly restricted from moving in the rear direction of the vehicle relative to the guide block 19. Therefore, in a case where a force for moving the slide check 41 in the rear direction relative to the guide block 19 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, the holding piece 62 restricts the movement of the slide check 41 in the rear direction. In a case where a force for moving the slide check 41 in the rear direction relative to the guide block 19 is greater than the predetermined level, the holding piece 62 is deformed to bend with reference to a connection portion with the contact surface 44 b so that the hook portion 62 b disengages from the front end surface of the retention portion 61. As a result, the slide check 41 is allowed to move in the rear direction relative to the guide block 19.

In the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, the contact surface 44 b of the build-up portion 44 is in contact with the contact surface 61 a of the retention portion 61. Accordingly, the slide check 41 is restricted from moving in the front direction of the vehicle relative to the guide block 19. At this time, the engagement projection 46 a of the rotation check 46 is engaged with and fitted to the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19, however, a front end surface of the engagement projection 46 a is inhibited from making contact with an opposing surface of the engagement groove 19 a. That is, in a case where the slide check 41 and the rotation check 46 move in the front direction relative to the guide block 19, the contact surface 44 b makes contact with the contact surface 61 a of the retention portion 61 without a contact of the front end surface of the engagement projection 46 a to the opposing surface of the engagement groove 19 a so as to restrict the movement of the slide check 41 and the rotation check 46 relative to the guide block 19 in the front direction. In a case where it is assumed that the front end surface of the engagement projection 46 a is in contact with the opposing surface of the engagement groove 19 a when the slide check 41 and the rotation check 46 move relative to the guide block 19 in the front direction so as to restrict the aforementioned movement of the slide check 41 and the rotation check 46, sufficient strength may be required for the engagement projection 46 a (the rotation check 46).

The operation of the sunroof apparatus 11 in the embodiment will be explained. In the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, the rotation check 46 is restricted from rotating by the bottom surface of the first rail portion 13 a, for example, in a state where the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19. Therefore, the movement of the rotation check 46 in the rear direction is restricted and also the movement of the slide check 41 in the rear direction is restricted together with the rotation check 46. Further, because the contact surface 44 b of the slide check 41 is in contact with the contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19, the slide check 41 is restricted from moving in the front direction. The rotation check 46 is also restricted from moving in the front direction, together with the slide check 41. Accordingly, the slide check 41 and the rotation check 46 are restricted from moving in the front-rear direction. Because the support bracket 31 that is connected to the slide check 41 via the bore 43 a, for example, is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction, the movable panel 12 is only allowed to be tilted up i.e., the rear portion of the support bracket 31 is lifted up with reference to the front portion thereof.

In the aforementioned state, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle, the locking pin 35 moves freely within the bore 43 a of the slide check 41 so as to move upward along the bore 43 a. In addition, the guide pin 34 guided by the guide groove 30 moves upward at the first inclination portion 30 a and reaches the linear portion 30 b. In association with the aforementioned operation, the support bracket 31 (the guide pin 34) moves upward relative to the drive shoe 21 so that the movable panel 12 is shifted and bought to the first tilt-up state.

As mentioned above, in a case where the drive shoe 21 is disposed at least at the position that is achieved in a case where the movable panel 12 is shifted from the fully closed state to the first tilt-up state, the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51 of the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 are positioned apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Thus, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle in the first tilt-up state of the movable panel 12, the locking pin 35 moves freely within the bore 43 a of the slide check 41 so as to move downward along the bore 43 a. At the same time, the guide pin 34 guided by the guide groove 30 moves downward at the first inclination portion 30 a to reach the end (lower end) of the first inclination portion 30 a. In association with the aforementioned operation, the support bracket 31 (the guide pin 34) moves downward relative to the drive shoe 21 so that the movable panel 12 is shifted to the fully closed state after tilted-down, i.e., after the tilt-down operation in which the rear portion of the support bracket 31 (the movable panel 12) is lowered with reference to the front portion thereof. That is, as long as the movable panel 12 is shifted between the fully closed state and the first tilt-up state, the movable panel 12 is only tilted (tilted-up and tilted-down) in association with the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction of the vehicle in the first tilt-up state of the movable panel 12, the locking pin 35 moves freely within the bore 43 a of the slide check 41 so as to further move upward along the bore 43 a. In addition, the guide pin 34 guided by the guide groove 30 moves up at the second inclination portion 30 c to reach the end (upper end) thereof. In association with the aforementioned operation, the support bracket 31 (the guide pin 34) moves further upward relative to the drive shoe 21 to thereby shift the movable panel 12 to the second tilt-up state. Further, in association with the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front direction of the vehicle, the engagement recess portion 28 reaches the position at which the pressed portion 46 b of the rotation check 46 is provided, thereby allowing the rotation of the rotation check 46.

At this time, the positions of the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51 of the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 overlap each other in the front-rear direction. Thus, the second cam teeth 48 b of the rotation cam 48 pass through the open portions 53 a of the fixation cam 51 to be pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a because the moving path of the second cam teeth 48 b to the first cam teeth 52 a is cleared and opened by the open portions 53 a. Then, the second cam teeth 48 b are guided by the first cam teeth 52 a to rotate by the aforementioned phase difference between the locking portions 53 c and the first cam teeth 52 a.

Thereafter, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle, the second cam teeth 48 b of the rotation cam 48 are guided to rotate by the locking portions 53 c of the second fixation member 53 to engage with the locking portions 53 c. Because of the engagement between the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51, the rotation check 46 and the slide check 41 attempt and try to integrally move with the fixation cam 51 in the rear direction of the vehicle.

At this time, because the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction in the engagement state between the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51, the force for moving the slide check 41 in the rear direction relative to the guide block 19 exceeds the predetermined level. Accordingly, the holding piece 62, which is elastically deformed, releases the holding of the slide check 41 relative to the guide block 19. The slide check 41 is movable together with the rotation check 46 in the rear direction of the vehicle.

In association with the aforementioned operation, the engagement projection 46 a of the rotation check 46, the rotation check 46 being allowed to rotate within the engagement recess portion 28, rotates and enters below the guide portion 17 while being guided by the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19. The rotation check 46 is restricted from rotating in the aforementioned state, i.e., maintains the aforementioned state. Accordingly, the restriction of movement of the slide check 41 in the rear direction is released and also the restriction of movement of the support bracket 31 connected to the slide check 41 via the bore 43 a, for example, in the rear direction is released. At the same time, the pressed portion 46 b of the rotation check 46 enters the engagement recess portion 28 to be disposed on the movement locus of the restriction portion 28 a in the front-rear direction.

Accordingly, when the drive shoe 21 moves to the vehicle rear side, the rotation check 46 and the slide check 41 integrally move with the fixation cam 51 in the rear direction. At this time, because a distance in the front-rear direction between the rotation check 46 (the slide check 41) and the fixation cam 51 is kept constant, a distance between the drive shoe 21 and the support bracket 31 in the front-rear direction is kept constant. Thus, the movable panel 12 supported by the support bracket 31 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle while being held in the second tilt-up state to thereby open the opening 10 a. The movable panel 12 is brought to the open state accordingly.

In the open state of the movable panel 12, the rotation of the rotation check 46 is restricted in a state where the engagement projection 46 a enters below the guide portion 17. The pressed portion 46 b of the rotation check 46 is disposed on the moving locus of the restriction portion 28 a in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, in the aforementioned state, when the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle, the restriction portion 28 a presses the pressed portion 46 b so that the slide check 41 together with the rotation check 46 integrally moves with the drive shoe 21 in the front direction. The integral movement of the slide check 41 with the drive shoe 21 is obtained so that the second cam teeth 48 b of the rotation cam 48 and the first cam teeth 52 a of the first fixation member 52 are disposed apart from each other in the front-rear direction to inhibit the first cam teeth 52 a from pressing the second cam teeth 48 b in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle in the open state of the movable panel 12. Even in this case, because of the constant distance in the front-rear direction between the slide check 41 and the fixation cam 51, the distance in the front-rear direction between the drive shoe 21 and the support bracket 31 is maintained to be constant. As a result, the movable panel 12 supported by the support bracket 31 closes the opening 10 a while being maintained in the second tilt-up state.

In association with the closing operation of the movable panel 12, the movable panel 12 approaches an initial state (restored state) where the movable panel 12 is shifted to the second tilt-up state. Then, the engagement projection 46 a is guided by the engagement groove 19 a so that the rotation check 46 rotates in a state where the engagement projection 46 a enters an upper end portion of the engagement groove 19 a while the pressed portion 46 b disengages from the engagement recess portion 28.

The contact surface 44 b of the slide check 41 makes contact with the contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19 to thereby restrict the movement of the slide check 41 in the front direction. The rotation check 46 is also restricted from moving together with the slide check 41 in the front direction. Then, the support bracket 31 connected to the slide check 41 via the bore 43 a, for example, is restricted from moving in the front direction. At this time, the hook portion 62 b of the holding piece 62 is pressed against the lower surface of the retention portion 61 and thus the extension portion 62 a is deformed to bend with reference to the contact portion with the contact surface 44 b. At the same time, in association with a passing of the hook portion 62 b through the retention portion 61, the extension portion 62 a is elastically returned so that the hook portion 62 b is hooked at the front end surface of the retention portion 61. Accordingly, the slide check 41 is slightly restricted, together with the rotation check 46, from moving in the rear direction relative to the guide block 19.

In the aforementioned configuration, when the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction of the vehicle, the engagement recess portion 28 passes through the pressed portion 46 b and the outer side surface of the projection wall portion 24 at the vehicle outer side makes contact with or comes closer to the pressed portion 46 b, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotation check 46 in a direction where the engagement projection 46 a disengages from the engagement groove 19 a. At the same time, the fixation cam 51 moves further forward relative to the rotation cam 48 which is restricted from rotating forward together with the slide check 41. Then, the first cam teeth 52 a press the second cam teeth 48 b so that the second cam teeth 48 b are guided by the first cam teeth 52 a to rotate by the phase difference between the locking portions 53 c and the first cam teeth 52 a. Accordingly, in a case where the fixation cam 51 thereafter moves in the rear direction of the vehicle together with the drive shoe 21, the second cam teeth 48 b are guided to rotate by the guide portions 53 b, and the moving path of the second cam teeth 48 b (the path for retracting from the first cam teeth 52 a) to the first cam teeth 52 a is opened by the open portions 53 a. While the second cam teeth 48 b pass through the open portions 53 a, the rotation cam 48 releases the engagement with the second fixation member 53 (the fixation cam 51). The fixation cam 51 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle together with the drive shoe 21 while leaving, i.e., not together with, the rotation cam 48, and the like.

At this time, the locking pin 35 moves freely within the bore 43 a of the slide check 41 so as to move downward along the bore 43 a and the guide pin 34 is guided to move downward along the guide groove 30. As a result, the movable panel 12 is tilted-down and brought to the fully closed state via the first tilt-up state.

In a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle immediately after the engagement between the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51 is released, the engagement recess portion 28 again reaches the pressed portion 46 b so that the rotation of the rotation check 46 in the direction where the engagement projection 46 a disengages from the engagement groove 19 a is tentatively permitted. In addition, the movable panel 12 pressed by the guide pin 34 so as to be tilted-down is in a state to move in the rear direction because of a component force for moving the movable panel 12 in the rear direction. Nevertheless, the slide check 41 is slightly restricted from moving relative to the guide block 19 in the rear direction by the holding piece 62. Therefore, the movable panel 12 and the rotation check 46 are inhibited from moving in the rear direction and the rotation of the rotation check 46 in the direction where the engagement projection 46 a disengages from the engagement groove 19 a is maintained to be restricted.

According to the embodiment, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, the movable panel 12 is brought to and shifted to the first tilt-up state because of the restriction of the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction, together with the slide check 41, by the rotation check 46. In a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction in the first tilt-up state of the movable panel 12, the rotation of the rotation check 46 is allowed. The rotation check 46 is then guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a disengages from the engagement groove 19 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction, thereby releasing the restriction of the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction, together with the slide check 41, while maintaining the second tilt-up state of the movable panel 12. In addition, by the pressing effect between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48, the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 engage with each other so that the movable panel 12 and the slide check 41 integrally move with the drive shoe 21 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction after moving further in the front direction in the first tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 (i.e., in the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 that is obtained by the shifting from the fully closed state). According to the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48, the movable panel 12 is opened while maintaining the second tilt-up state in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction. In this case, a maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like that specifies the fully open state of the movable panel 12 is not restricted or constrained by a moving amount of the drive shoe 21 in an opposite direction (i.e., in the front direction of the vehicle) for achieving the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12. Therefore, the maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like that specifies the fully open state of the movable panel 12, i.e., the opening amount of the movable panel 12, may increase.

Specifically, in a case where the slide check 41 moves integrally with the drive shoe 21 in the rear direction of the vehicle in the engagement state between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48, the holding piece 62 releases the holding of the slide check 41 at the guide rail 13 (the guide block 19) while being deformed. Thus, the operation of the slide check 41 is not inhibited by the holding piece 62.

In a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle in the open state of the movable panel 12, the movable panel 12 is held in the second tilt-up state while the restriction of the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction, together with the slide check 41, is released by the rotation check 46 until the movable panel 12 returns to the restored state. The movable panel 12 integrally moves with the drive shoe 21, together with the slide check 41, in the front direction so as to be closed while maintaining the second tilt-up state. In this case, the pressed portion 46 b (the restriction portion 28 a) restricts the pressing effect between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48, which may avoid the operation of the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 from being unstable.

Once the movable panel 12 returns to the aforementioned restored state, the movable panel 12 together with the slide check 41 is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction and is released from being held in the tilt-up state. Then, when the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction, the rotation check 46 restricts the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction together with the slide check 41 so that the movable panel 12 is shifted to the fully closed state. On the other hand, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction of the vehicle in the restored state of the movable panel 12, the restriction on the pressing effect between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is released by the pressed portion 46 b. Accordingly, in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction of the vehicle, the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is released so that the movable panel 12 and the slide check 41 separate from the drive shoe 21. Accordingly, by the pressing effect between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48, the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is released while the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction is restricted. The movable panel 12 is thus brought in the fully closed state in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle.

Specifically, even in a case where the component force for moving the movable panel 12 in the rear direction of the vehicle is applied from the drive shoe 21 when the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle while the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is released, the holding piece 62 holds the slide check 41 towards the guide rail 30 (the guide block 19) so as to restrict the movement of the movable panel 12 together with the slide check 41 in the front-rear direction.

In the embodiment, in a case where the rotation check 46 is guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a during the forward movement of the drive shoe 21 in the open state of the movable panel 12, the contact surface 44 b of the slide check 41 makes contact with the contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19. Accordingly, the movement of the slide check 41 is restricted when the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction. Without the contact of the engagement projection 46 a with the engagement groove 19 a, the movement of the slide check 41 in the front direction may be restricted, which may lead to a reduction of necessary strength for the engagement projection 46 a (the rotation check 46).

In the embodiment, the holding piece 62 is provided at the slide check 41 and is hooked at the retention portion 61 formed at the guide block 19 so that the slide check 41 is held at the guide block 19. The contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19 is formed at the retention portion 61. Accordingly, the retention portion 61 and the contact surface 61 a may be arranged at the guide block 19 in an intensive manner.

In the embodiment, the second cam teeth 48 b passing through the open portions 53 a are pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction in the first tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 and then pressed by the locking portions 53 c when the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle. Thus, the second cam teeth 48 b rotate by the predetermined angle (90°) to engage with the locking portions 53 c. Accordingly, because of the engagement between the locking portions 53 c and the second cam teeth 48 b, the fixation cam 51 engages with the rotation cam 48 so that the movable panel 12 integrally moves with the drive shoe 21 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 are engageable with each other by a simple configuration of the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 in which the second cam teeth 48 b which pass through the open portions 53 a are sequentially pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a and the locking portions 53 c to rotate by the predetermined angle.

The second cam teeth 48 b is pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel 12, and are guided by the open portions 53 a (the guide portions 53 b) in a case where the drive shoe 12 thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam teeth 48 b rotate by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portions 53 a. Accordingly, the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is released by the release of the engagement between the locking portions 53 c and the second cam teeth 48 b, thereby separating the movable panel 12 together with the slide check 41 from the drive shoe 21 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction. The fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 are engageable with each other by a simple configuration of the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 in which the second cam teeth 48 b engaged with the locking portions 53 c are sequentially pressed by the first cam teeth 52 a and the open portions 53 a (the guide portions 53 b) to rotate by the predetermined angle.

In the embodiment, the restriction of the movement of the movable panel 12 in the front-rear direction and the release of the aforementioned restriction by the check mechanism 40 are switched by the engagement and disengagement between the engagement projection 46 a and the engagement groove 19 a in association with the rotation of the rotation check 46 around the support shaft 45. In addition, the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 is achieved by the further movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front direction of the vehicle, i.e., the movement of the support shaft 45 along the center line thereof, in the first-tilt up state of the movable panel 12. Accordingly, the restriction of the movement of the movable panel 12 and the release of the restriction by the check mechanism 40, and the engagement between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 are both achieved in association with the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front-rear direction along the moving direction thereof. The rotation cam 48 and the rotation check 46 are disposed around the support shaft 45 in an intensive manner to thereby achieve downsizing of the entire sunroof apparatus 11.

In the embodiment, the rotation cam 48 is rotatably connected to the slide check 41 of the check mechanism 40 so that the rotation cam 48 is disposed at the check mechanism 40 in an intensive manner, which results in downsizing of the entire sunroof apparatus 11. Specifically, the rotation check 46 and the second cam teeth 48 b are disposed to be coaxial with each other, which results in further downsizing of the entire sunroof apparatus 11.

In the embodiment, the maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like, that specifies the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 is not limited by the moving amount of the drive shoe 21 in the opposite direction (i.e., in the rear direction of the vehicle) for shifting the movable panel 12 to the open state. Thus, the maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like that specifies the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12, i.e., the opening amount of the movable panel 12 in the tilt-up state, may increase.

Alliteratively, because the moving amount of the drive shoe 21 in a case where the movable panel 12 is shifted to the fully closed state from the tilt-up state may be sufficiently secured, a load per unit moving amount of the drive shoe 21 (a motor output) may be reduced, and enlargement of the electric drive source 15 may be avoided.

Specifically, in a case where a function is provided for determining that something is caught by in the movable panel 12 in a case where fluctuation in rotation speed of the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value (which will be hereinafter referred to as a reverse rotation load) in association with the opening and closing operation of the movable panel 12 so as to reverse the movable panel 12, a small fluctuation of rotation speed in a normal operation state may result in a reduction of reverse rotation load. That is, even though the reverse rotation load is reduced, a possibility of wrong determination that something is caught in the movable panel 12 by the aforementioned function may be reduced. In this case, EU regulations requiring the reverse rotation load equal to or greater than 100 N may be satisfied. The movable panel 12 may be configured to be automatically closed.

The embodiment may be modified or changed as below. The contact surface with which the contact surface 44 b of the slide check 41 is contactable may be provided at an appropriate portion of the guide block 19 other than the retention portion 61.

In the embodiment, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle in the open state of the movable panel 12, the contact surface 44 b makes contact with the contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19 when the rotation check 46 is guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a. As a result, the movement of the slide check 41 or the like is restricted. Alternatively, the front end surface of the engagement projection 46 a of the rotation check 46 may make contact with the opposing surface of the engagement groove 19 a of the guide block 19 to restrict the movement of the slide check 41 or the like in the front direction of the vehicle.

The holding piece 62 of the slide check 41 may engage with an appropriate portion of the guide rail 13 instead of the guide block 19 (the retention portion 61). In the embodiment, the holding piece 62 provided at the slide check 41 engages with the retention portion 61 of the guide block 19. Alternatively, for example, the holding piece may be provided at the guide block 19 or the guide rail 13 so as to engage with an appropriate portion of the slide check 41.

In the embodiment, the fixation cam 51 is arranged at the drive shoe 21 while the rotation cam 48 is arranged at the support bracket 31 (at the edge portion of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction). At this time, arrangement relationship between the fixation cam 51 and the rotation cam 48 may be reversed.

The number of the second cam teeth 48 b and the arrangement of the second cam teeth 48 b of the rotation cam 48 may be appropriately specified. In this case, then, the first cam teeth 52 a, for example, may be provided to match the angle range in which the second cam teeth 48 b are formed. In the embodiment, the linear portion 30 b of the guide groove 30 may be omitted.

In the embodiment, the rotation check 46 and the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 (the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51) are arranged to be coaxial with each other. Alternatively, as long as axes of the rotation check 46, the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51 extend in the front-rear direction, the rotation check 46 and the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 (the rotation cam 48 and the fixation cam 51) are inhibited from being coaxial with each other.

In a case where the movable panel 12 is shifted from the open state to the closed state, the restriction portion 28 a presses the pressed portion 46 b of the rotation check 46. Alternatively, the restriction portion 28 a may press an appropriate position at the movable panel 12 as long as no functional problems occur, for example.

In the embodiment, as the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12, the first tilt-up state and the second tilt-up state in which the movable panel 12 is further tilted-up than in the first tilt-up state are specified. Alternatively, the posture of the movable panel 12 in a case where the movable panel 12 is shifted from the fully closed state and the posture of the movable panel 12 in a case where the movable panel 12 slides on the guide rail 13 may coincide with each other.

In the embodiment, a connection mode between the drive shoe 21 and the support bracket 31 (the movable panel 12) serves as an example. For example, a guide groove may be formed at the support bracket 31 (the vertical wall portion 32) in a reverse manner from the guide groove 30. Then, a guide pin that is movably fitted to the guide groove may be fixedly attached to the drive shoe 21.

The guide block 19 may be integrally formed at the guide rail 13.

According to the embodiment, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction of the vehicle in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, the movable panel 12 is shifted to the tilt-up state. Then, in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction of the vehicle after moving further in the front direction, the drive shoe 21 and the slide check 41 engage with each other to integrally move. The movable panel 12 is opened while maintaining the tilt-up state. In a case where the drive shoe 21 integrally moves with the slide check 41 in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel 12, the movable panel 12 is closed while maintaining the tilt-up state. In a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction while the engagement between the drive shoe 21 and the slide check 41 is released, the movable panel 12 is shifted to the fully closed state. In this case, the maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like that specifies the fully open state of the movable panel 12 is not restricted or constrained by the moving amount of the drive shoe 21 in the opposite direction (i.e., in the front direction of the vehicle) for achieving the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12. Therefore, the maximum moving amount of the drive shoe 21 or the like that specifies the fully open state of the movable panel 12, i.e., the opening amount of the movable panel 12, may increase.

Specifically, in a case where the drive shoe 21 and the slide check 41 in the engagement state move integrally in the rear direction of the vehicle, the holding mechanism (the retention portion 61 and the holding piece 62) causes the slide check 41 to be movable. Thus, the operation of the slide check 41 is not inhibited.

In the embodiment, the drive shoe 21 is connected to each edge portion of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction so that the movable panel 12 is brought to the tilt-up state in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction relative to the movable panel 12 in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12, and the slide check 41 is connected to each edge portion of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction so as to integrally move with the movable panel 12 in a state where the tilt operation of the movable panel 12 is allowed. The sunroof apparatus 11 further includes the guide block 19 provided at the guide rail 13 and including the engagement groove 19 a, the rotation check 46 rotatably connected to the slide check 41 and including the engagement projection 46 a that is configured to be fitted to the engagement groove 19 a, the rotation check 46 being restricted from rotating in a state where the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a in the fully closed state of the movable panel 12 and bringing the movable panel 12 to the tilt-up state by restricting the movement of the slide check 41 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction, the rotation check 46 being permitted to rotate in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction and guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a is disengaged from the engagement groove 19 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction to release the restriction of the movement of the slide check 41 while the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 is maintained, the rotation check 46 being guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel 12 and restricting the movement of the slide check 41 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction, an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 including the first member 51 supported by one of each edge portion of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction and the drive shoe 21 and the second member 48 supported by the other of the each edge portion of the movable panel 12 in the vehicle width direction and the drive shoe 21, the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism 50 bringing the first member 51 and the second member 48 to engage with each other by the pressing effect between the first member 51 and the second member 48 so that the slide check 41 integrally moves with the drive shoe 21 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction after moving further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 that is obtained by the shifting from the fully closed state, and the restriction portion 28 a restricting the pressing effect between the first member 51 and the second member 48 until the movable panel 12 returns to the restored state in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel 12, the restored state corresponding to a state in which the movable panel 12 is shifted to the tilt-up state from the fully closed state, the restriction portion 28 a releasing the restriction of the pressing effect between the first member 51 and the second member 48 by a further movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front direction and releasing the engagement between the first member 51 and the second member 48 so that the slide check 41 is separated from the drive shoe 21 in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction. The holding mechanism includes the holding piece 62 provided at least at one of the slide check 41 and the guide rail 13, the holding piece 62 holding the slide check 41 relative to the guide rail 13 in a state where the engagement between the first member 51 and the second member 48 is released and releasing the holding of the slide check 41 relative to the guide rail 13 by being elastically deformed in the engagement state between the first member 51 and the second member 48 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves in the rear direction.

In the embodiment, the slide check 41 includes the contact surface 44 b that makes contact with the contact surface 61 a of the guide block 19 in a case where the rotation check 46 is guided to rotate so that the engagement projection 46 a is fitted to the engagement groove 19 a during the movement of the drive shoe 21 in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel 12 to restrict the movement of the slide check 41 in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction.

In addition, in the embodiment, the holding piece 62 is provided at the slide check 41 and is configured to be hooked at the retention portion 61 formed at the guide block 19 to hold the slide check 41 relative to the guide block 13, the contact surface 61 a being formed at the retention portion 61.

Further, in the embodiment, the first member 51 includes the first fixation member 52 including the plurality of first cam teeth 52 a disposed at every predetermined angle around the axis line that extends in the front-rear direction and formed in a projection and recess manner in a direction of the axis line, the first member 51 including the second fixation member 53 that is disposed at a side of the first fixation member 52 facing the second member 48 and that includes the open portion 53 a configured to open the pass to the first cam teeth 52 a and the locking portion 53 c configured to close the path to the first cam teeth 52 a, each of the open portion 53 a and the locking portion 53 c being disposed at the every predetermined angle around the axis line. The second member 48 is connected to be rotatable about the axis line and includes the second cam tooth 48 b, the second cam tooth 48 b passing through the open portion 53 a to be pressed by one of the first cam teeth 52 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel 12 and being pressed by the locking portion 53 c in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth 48 b rotates by the predetermined angle to engage with the locking portion 53 c, the second cam tooth 48 b being pressed by one of the first cam teeth 52 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel 12 and is guided to the open portion 53 a in a case where the drive shoe 21 thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth 48 b rotates by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portion 53 a.

The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby. 

1. A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: a movable panel configured to open and close an opening formed at a roof of a vehicle; a guide rail provided at each edge portion of the opening in a vehicle width direction and being extended in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a first sliding member driven by a drive source to move along the guide rail and connected to each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction; a second sliding member integrally movable with the movable panel in a state where a tilt operation of the movable panel is allowed; the movable panel being configured to be shifted to a tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in a front direction of the vehicle in a fully closed state of the movable panel and to be opened while being maintained in the tilt-up state by an integral movement of the first sliding member with the second sliding member caused by an engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in a rear direction of the vehicle after moving further in the front direction, the movable panel being configured to be closed in a case where the first sliding member integrally moves with the second sliding member in the front direction in an open state of the movable panel and to be shifted to the fully closed state in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction while the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released, and a holding mechanism configured to stop a movement of the second sliding member in a state where the engagement between the first sliding member and the second sliding member is released and to cause the second sliding member to be movable in the engagement state between the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction.
 2. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sliding member is connected to the each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction so that the movable panel is brought to the tilt-up state in a case where the first sliding member moves in the front direction relative to the movable panel in the fully closed state of the movable panel, and the second sliding member is connected to the each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction so as to integrally move with the movable panel in a state where the tilt operation of the movable panel is allowed, the sunroof apparatus further including: a guide block provided at the guide rail and including an engagement groove; a rotation check rotatably connected to the second sliding member and including an engagement projection that is configured to be fitted to the engagement groove, the rotation check being restricted from rotating in a state where the engagement projection is fitted to the engagement groove in the fully closed state of the movable panel and bringing the movable panel to the tilt-up state by restricting the movement of the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in the front direction, the rotation check being permitted to rotate in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction and guided to rotate so that the engagement projection is disengaged from the engagement groove in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction to release the restriction of the movement of the second sliding member while the tilt-up state of the movable panel is maintained, the rotation check being guided to rotate so that the engagement projection is fitted to the engagement groove in a case where the first sliding member moves in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel and restricting the movement of the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction; an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism including a first member supported by one of the each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction and the first sliding member and a second member supported by the other of the each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction and the first sliding member, the engagement and disengagement switching mechanism bringing the first member and the second member to engage with each other by a pressing effect between the first member and the second member so that the second sliding member integrally moves with the first sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction after moving further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel that is obtained by a shifting from the fully closed state; and a restriction portion restricting the pressing effect between the first member and the second member until the movable panel returns to a restored state in a case where the first sliding member moves in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel, the restored state corresponding to a state in which the movable panel is shifted to the tilt-up state from the fully closed state, the restriction portion releasing the restriction of the pressing effect between the first member and the second member by a further movement of the first sliding member in the front direction and releasing the engagement between the first member and the second member so that the second sliding member is separated from the first sliding member in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction, wherein the holding mechanism includes a holding piece provided at least at one of the second sliding member and the guide rail, the holding piece holding the second sliding member relative to the guide rail in a state where the engagement between the first member and the second member is released and releasing the holding of the second sliding member relative to the guide rail by being elastically deformed in the engagement state between the first member and the second member in a case where the first sliding member moves in the rear direction.
 3. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second sliding member includes a first contact surface that makes contact with a second contact surface of the guide block in a case where the rotation check is guided to rotate so that the engagement projection is fitted to the engagement groove during the movement of the first sliding member in the front direction in the open state of the movable panel to restrict the movement of the second sliding member in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction.
 4. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the holding piece is provided at the second sliding member and is configured to be hooked at a retention portion formed at the guide block to hold the second sliding member relative to the guide block, the second contact surface being formed at the retention portion.
 5. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first member includes a first fixation member including a plurality of first cam teeth disposed at every predetermined angle around an axis line that extends in the front-rear direction and formed in a projection and recess manner in a direction of the axis line, the first member including a second fixation member that is disposed at a side of the first fixation member facing the second member and that includes an open portion configured to open a pass to the first cam teeth and a locking portion configured to close the path to the first cam teeth, each of the open portion and the locking portion being disposed at the every predetermined angle around the axis line, and the second member is connected to be rotatable about the axis line and includes a second cam tooth, the second cam tooth passing through the open portion to be pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel and being pressed by the locking portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to engage with the locking portion, the second cam tooth being pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel and is guided to the open portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portion.
 6. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first member includes a first fixation member including a plurality of first cam teeth disposed at every predetermined angle around an axis line that extends in the front-rear direction and formed in a projection and recess manner in a direction of the axis line, the first member including a second fixation member that is disposed at a side of the first fixation member facing the second member and that includes an open portion configured to open a pass to the first cam teeth and a locking portion configured to close the path to the first cam teeth, each of the open portion and the locking portion being disposed at the every predetermined angle around the axis line, and the second member is connected to be rotatable about the axis line and includes a second cam tooth, the second cam tooth passing through the open portion to be pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel and being pressed by the locking portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to engage with the locking portion, the second cam tooth being pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel and is guided to the open portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portion.
 7. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first member includes a first fixation member including a plurality of first cam teeth disposed at every predetermined angle around an axis line that extends in the front-rear direction and formed in a projection and recess manner in a direction of the axis line, the first member including a second fixation member that is disposed at a side of the first fixation member facing the second member and that includes an open portion configured to open a pass to the first cam teeth and a locking portion configured to close the path to the first cam teeth, each of the open portion and the locking portion being disposed at the every predetermined angle around the axis line, and the second member is connected to be rotatable about the axis line and includes a second cam tooth, the second cam tooth passing through the open portion to be pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel and being pressed by the locking portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to engage with the locking portion, the second cam tooth being pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel and is guided to the open portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portion.
 8. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first member includes a first fixation member including a plurality of first cam teeth disposed at every predetermined angle around an axis line that extends in the front-rear direction and formed in a projection and recess manner in a direction of the axis line, the first member including a second fixation member that is disposed at a side of the first fixation member facing the second member and that includes an open portion configured to open a pass to the first cam teeth and a locking portion configured to close the path to the first cam teeth, each of the open portion and the locking portion being disposed at the every predetermined angle around the axis line, and the second member is connected to be rotatable about the axis line and includes a second cam tooth, the second cam tooth passing through the open portion to be pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the tilt-up state of the movable panel and being pressed by the locking portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to engage with the locking portion, the second cam tooth being pressed by one of the first cam teeth in a case where the first sliding member moves further in the front direction in the restored state of the movable panel and is guided to the open portion in a case where the first sliding member thereafter moves in the rear direction so that the second cam tooth rotates by the predetermined angle to pass through the open portion. 